Enter by 5 P.M. Today for the Chance to Win a $15,000 Trip for Four

You’ve got until 5 p.m. Eastern today to enter our Best Travel Tip Contest for the chance to win a weeklong vacation extravaganza for four in Condé Nast Traveler readers’ favorite U.S. city, Charleston, South Carolina.

You’ve got until 5 p.m. Eastern today to enter our Best Travel Tip Contest for the chance to win a weeklong vacation extravaganza for four in Condé Nast Traveler readers’ favorite U.S. city, Charleston, South Carolina. As a public service I’ve been sharing my favorite entries, and today’s reminds us of an important job we have as world travelers: Each and every one of us is an ambassador for our country. Often we meet locals who are much less fortunate than we are, but whose generosity we benefit from, and when we say we’re going to stay in touch or send an appreciation of our thanks from home, it’s important to follow through on our promises. Today’s tip comes from Ellen Lichtig, who lives in the Bay Area:

“You meet gracious, caring people on the road, and in the moment you are supremely excited and grateful for a hospitality you vow you'll never forget. Once back home, however, that promise to yourself to acknowledge their kindnesses, well, fizzles. No good. So, how about firming up your resolve by sending them a virtual postcard from your mobile phone (e.g., Postagrams via Sincerely, for one) to show you meant what you said and cherish your shared experience too? And how about afterward, with your own circle of friends, developing a postcard gallery, with the aim to inspire others, to stretch in like-minded ways, and to meet up with the same great people when they travel too.”

I often carry physical postcards from home on trips overseas: They serve both as a conversation opener and also as a little remembrance to leave behind with the people I’ve met as thanks for having shared their country and home with me. When locals have befriended me, I’ve often snapped photos of them with me and promised to mail them copies. So I’m intrigued by Ellen’s more high-tech solution. I wish there were such an easy solution to ensure we follow through on our promises to send gifts, supplies, or other assistance. If you know of one, I’d love to hear it (just comment below), and, if you too like to give to locals you meet when traveling, here’s expert advice on how to give wisely.